Devotion: Caiaphas
Please take a moment to read
John 11:45-50, Matthew 26:62-66, Luke 23:33-35.
Rules! We all live with them, some make our lives easier, some complicate them. I have always been a rule follower. No speeding tickets for me. If you have been in a leadership role, you know how important rules are to the smooth flow of our days. As a teacher, I enforced so many rules, even had them posted in my room, just as a ‘gentle’ reminder.
Caiaphas is a rule follower, too. He was trained to memorize all 613 laws of the Mitzvot. So many rules, that no common citizen could know them all. He is the man behind the scenes, trying to get rid to Jesus. As high priest, Caiaphas was charged with keeping the population under control so Rome would not disturb their peaceful life.
When Jesus comes into town, offering healing, new rules, and calling himself the ‘Messiah’, the challenge was in the high priest’s face. Caiaphas had been doing his job for nearly 18 years, so he knew he had to do something to stop the upheaval Jesus was causing. He charges Jesus with ‘Blasphemy’!
On the cross, Jesus says, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” This is the epitome of compassion. When someone hurts you, it is so hard to forgive them. As Caiaphas is walking away from the cross, he hears Jesus say these words. He must have been perplexed and stunned that someone he just executed would forgive him.
What do we learn from this? Caiaphas was a driven man, he wanted everyone to follow the rules. Yet Jesus’s way lives on today. We are to practice loving deeply, growing spiritually and sharing abundantly…. with compassion.
Father, thank you for sending Your Son to save all of us from sin. Let us show compassion in all we do. Let us live by your Golden Rule each day. AMEN
Written by Cindy Swanson
Cindy and her husband, Ray, have been members of Sheridan Lutheran Church since 1978. They have three sons, Ben, Andrew and Patrick who were confirmed at Sheridan. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren who range in age from 8-13 with newborn twins expected soon. Cindy retired from teaching writing to middle schoolers for Lincoln Public Schools in 2014. She savors a good cup of coffee, a well-written book, a lively discussion and chocolate. She lives near a cemetery and knows each day is a gift!
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